By Anthony Nwachukwu
Determined to lead Nigerians in returning their country to the path of peace and prosperity through the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi, the National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, has appealed to supporters and all those hoping for a new and better Nigeria for funds to execute the electoral campaigns.
Abure made the call in Abuja Friday while inaugurating Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), the composition of which he said followed a painstaking search, as membership was based on integrity, capability and pedigree, to reflect the Obi-Datti movement.
He stated that the LP PCC stood out among those of parties, just as Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed are the best in all ramifications, so the need for Nigerians’ continued support.
The PCC Director-General remains Dr. Doyin Okupe as contained in the 1,453-member list earlier released, with Assistant Inspector-General of Police (rtd), Mr. Mohammed Zarewa, as Chairman.
The list includes Oseloka Obaze (Deputy Director-General and Campaign Manager), and Yusuf Maitama (Deputy Director-General (North).
There are also Yunusa Tanko (Spokesperson), Clement Ojukwu (Secretary), Denzel Ketenbe (Deputy Director-General, South), Isaac Balami (Deputy Campaign Manager 1), and Mrs. Eyitemi Taire (Deputy Campaign Manager 2), among others.
Abure, who reminded council members that the LP was up against parties that have amassed “common patrimony,” charged them to deploy their experiences and expertise and engage the grassroots to ensure victory at the polls, adding that background checks had found them worthy of the tasks.
Explaining the party’s reason for calling for financial support, he said “the task is not an easy one because we are competing against parties that have the resources and common patrimony, and ready to deploy it in the election.
“Presidential election is very expensive, very costly. Our slogan is that we don’t give shishi, but this time we have to look for money. The presidential candidate cannot fund the campaigns alone. The greatest challenge we are likely to have in this campaign is funding.
“Our presidential candidate was a governor in Anambra, he is the only governor known not to have embezzled money. He kept N75 billion in the Anambra State account and is the only governor not on pension.
“The point is that he cannot fund the presidential campaigns alone. Therefore, all of us in this council have the responsibility to join hands with the party to see how we can raise funds for this campaign.”
Responding on behalf of others, Zarewa thanked the party for finding them worthy to lead the campaign and promised to deliver.
He further urged members to work in synergy and leverage the support of the youth and women who love the Obi-Datti movement for victory at the polls.
